Welshman Mark Jones says he has had no reason to change his view that the Crusaders is the best rugby organisation in the world.
Jones joined the Super Rugby supremos for two years earlier in 2020 and said while he made his comment from the outside looking in, having been involved looking from the inside out, the situation had proved to be even more correct.
"Coming into the Crusaders and seeing how the whole operation works from top to bottom, it's just a well-aligned organisation," he told The Rugby Paper.
"It's built for success because everybody across the business has got an unbelievable connection with each other and, as a result, it becomes an efficient environment. In turn that translates into the performance of the players," he said.
Jones said the modus operandi behind his appointment was a continuation of coach Scott Robertson's desire to have someone from the northern hemisphere offering a different set of eyes to what they were doing.
Before him, the role fell to former Ireland international Ronan O'Gara.
"Coaches in New Zealand will say they coach in a pretty similar way because New Zealand Rugby is so well aligned with the Super Rugby teams, and you can see that by the way New Zealand play because it's very much like a Super Rugby team," he said.
"One of their strengths is that everyone thinks the same and has the same skill-sets and condition. But the international element means you need to be flexible so Razor [Robertson] sees value in guys like myself – and Ronan O'Gara before me – in having a northern hemisphere view on things.
"It's a great opportunity to expose myself to a different type of rugby, competition and style. And it's been good for both parties because you can offer a different perspective – quite a lot of that has been taken on board in the areas I work in," Jones said.
Robertson had a positive mindset around the way rugby should be played. He also had a way with people.
"For me, coming into a new environment and to be able to slot in and feel as comfortable as I have, he sets the benchmark and everyone around him feeds off that. I've learnt a lot from him already," he said.
While Robertson's approach to Warren Gatland for a role in next year's British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, Jones said he had no doubts how worthwhile it could be.
"I've been lucky to work with a lot of great coaches and holistically, looking at the whole package, he's the best.
"When you look at his knowledge across all areas – set-piece, defence, attack, man-management – you can see why he's been as successful as he has been. He still wants to get better, though, that's the great thing about him – we've already started talking about how the Crusaders can be better next year," he said.
Robertson's knowledge, southern hemisphere mentality and experience against South African sides would be invaluable for the Lions.
Heading into the Mitre 10 Cup competition with Canterbury, Jones' role will change from defence to attack.
"I'm excited about it as it will add to my skill-set," he said